Year In Review: Barstow sees wave of improvements

Paola Baker Staff Writer @DP_PaolaBaker

Wednesday

Jan 3, 2018 at 11:54 AMJan 3, 2018 at 11:54 AM

BARSTOW — The city saw a wave of improvement in 2017, with the opening of its first Wal-Mart Supercenter and construction beginnning on a new school. And the College Promise program now offers an easier path to community college for area students.

Yet the city also found itself in a anxious race over the future of its fire protection district, and also lost a top official amid harassment allegations.

Here are the top 5 stories in Barstow this year:

1. Measure J fails

Voters rejected a half-cent sales tax officials promised would ensure the future stability of the city’s struggling fire district during a special election in November.

Measure J narrowly failed to reach the two-thirds majority it needed, with city clerk JoAnn Cousino describing it as “being short by 30 votes.”

The tax would have generated an estimated $3.8 million a year, with residents paying an average of $47 a year. It was touted as a way for residents to maintain local control of fire services, with Councilman Rich Harpole calling it “the most important issue to face our community in a while.”

But it was opposed by the local County firefighters union, whose members bristled at what they called “derogatory comments” from Barstow’s fire union on a possible annexation into the San Bernardino County Fire Department if it failed.

City officials were reluctant to give up on Measure J, requesting a recount a week after official results were in. The recount showed no change, but the city is still mulling various options to keep the fire district afloat — and local.

“I think we owe it to the citizens to look at other options to keep that local control before we move on,” councilman Timothy Silva said.

2. Super Wal-Mart grand opening

A brand-new Wal-Mart Supercenter opened its doors to Barstow residents on June 28, the culmination of five anxious years of planning.

The 200,000-square-foot-supercenter can be found at 301 Montara Road, adjacent to the previous Wal-Mart location. It boasts an expanded assortment of products, including fresh produce, meat and dairy selections.

A large crowd gathered for the grand opening, with a presentation of the colors by Barstow Fire Protection District explorers, appearances by Miss Barstow and Miss Teen Barstow, and remarks from city officials.

Barstow Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Eugene Butticci said the project resulted in improvements to the city’s infrastructure and roads. There’s also more in the works, with additional parcels available for new businesses.

3. Loewenstein retires amid harassment claims

The city’s economic development director retired this year, a departure believed to be sparked by an investigation into workplace harassment and a lawsuit filed this spring accusing him of regularly making graphic and offensive statements.

A nearly-three month investigation was launched after claims of workplace harassment involving Gaither Loewenstein were filed late last year. Loewenstein was placed on administrative leave in January and was absent for months, with the city declining to comment on the issue as the probe continued.

But when two employees, including city spokesman Anthony Riley, filed a lawsuit mid-April accusing Loewenstein of creating a hostile work environment, the city finally responded — but simply stated Loewenstein retired.

The suit alleges Loewenstein made comments that were often sexual in nature and included “drug activities, gender issues, sexist comments and inappropriate personal references to city employees.”

Loewenstein’s ties to City Manager Curt Mitchell — also named as a defendant — also were scrutinized, with the lawsuit suggesting Mitchell shielded Loewenstein from reprimand.

The case is expected to go to trial next fall, according to court records.

4. BCC receives $750k grant for College Promise program

Students with their sights set on higher education can now take advantage of an option that ensures paying for college is the least of their concerns.

The Barstow College Promise Program, designed to fund tuition at Barstow Community College, was unveiled when BCC officials launched a pilot version of it early February.

College Promise is a “last dollar program” that will fund costs not covered by financial aid or other means. High school graduates don’t need a minimum GPA to be eligible but must maintain a 2.0 GPA and full-time status at BCC to remain in the program.

The pilot program was initially funded to aid 100 graduating seniors. But the college was able to expand it by April, thanks to donations from local contributors and a $750,000 state grant.

Barstow College Promise now is fully funded for the first two years, so any graduating senior from Barstow Unified, Silver Valley Unified or the Baker school district can attend BCC with no tuition costs.

5. Fine Arts Academy construction begins

The city will now boast a new learning center after school and city officials broke ground on the new Barstow Fine Arts Academy, scheduled to open in August.

The BUSD Board of Trustees approved an agreement for the school back in October 2016, tapping the architectural firm of Ruhnau Ruhnau Clarke for the planning, design and construction of the academy.

It’s to be the district’s second magnet school, following the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academy that opened in 2014.

“It's a historic mark for Barstow and the final jewel to enhance education opportunities and culture not just for the students, but for the community as a whole,” said BUSD Trustee Barbara Rose.

The project is primarily funded from an insurance claim based on years of vandalism that had taken place at the abandoned campus.

The school will be located at the site of the former Barstow Intermediate School at 500 Avenue G.

Paola Baker may be reached at 760-955-5332 or PBaker@VVDailyPress.com. Follow her on Twitter at @DP_PaolaBaker.

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